Lambourn fulfils every expectation of Derby hero Lordan
However, the Lordan story does not begin and end within two days in June and when the 43-year-old was unshipped by San Antonio half a mile from home in the 2023 Irish Derby, some may have been forgiven for thinking that would be the end of his Classic dreams.
Lordan suffered fractures to his legs and elbow, as well as a nasty laceration to his arm in an incident which left him not only knocked out but spending eight months on the sidelines.
Lambourn blitzes the opposition for a brilliant Derby triumph. Yet another for that genius Aidan O'Brien pic.twitter.com/G16mEShLR8
— Adam Morgan (@Adam_Morgs) June 7, 2025
It is often said that loyalty is a two-way street and during his darkest days he knew he could count on Aidan O'Brien.
The master of Ballydoyle was ready and waiting to repay one of his most trusted lieutenants for years of service and when the moment came, Lordan delivered a sublime ride to provide O'Brien with a record-extending 11th winner of the premier Classic.
'Racing is a tough game and lots of jockeys get injured and thankfully I had the support of Aidan and everybody at Coolmore to help you get back,' said Lordan.
'I suppose when you are coming back to ride horses like this it gives you an even stronger focus and I was lucky I had such a good job to come back to.
'I never wanted to be negative so always told myself I would be fine even when it was tough. I tried to stay focused and got in the gym and just told myself I would soon be back.'
Aidan O'Brien tells press conference host Martin Kelly what it means to win another Derby (Adam Morgan/PA)
When riding for O'Brien it is far from picking up scraps once Moore has had his say from the swelling team of Ballydoyle Classic prospects.
But for a man who had finished third for O'Brien aboard Japan (2019) and subsequent Irish Derby hero Los Angeles 12 months ago, there was only one colt for him this time around, as O'Brien explained.
'I knew there were two horses Wayne wanted to ride this weekend and once Ryan knew what he was going to ride, Lambourn and Whirl were the ones Wayne wanted,' said O'Brien.
'When I had been going round the yard in the evening the lads were telling me what was going on and I knew who he wanted which made it very easy for me to put him on.
'Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring this horse is on fire today and that was before the race. He's given him an unbelievable ride and he's a special fellow.'
Wayne Lordan with Lambourn after winning the Betfred Derby (John Walton/PA)
With Moore and big-race favourite Delacroix only ninth and Irish champion Colin Keane and The Lion In Winter even further adrift, the stage was set for Lordan to steal the show and he had the perfect co-star for what was a spellbinding display in what is arguably still the biggest race of them all.
'He was the first string for me anyway, so I was happy,' explained Lordan.
'When you're getting into racing, this is the race you always want to ride in. I'm lucky that I work for Aidan and get to ride good horses and get opportunities.
'I've run well in the Derby before and lost nothing in defeat, but I'm just glad today it worked out.
'I was happy once I passed the line, but there is always horses flying home here and yesterday I was thought I was going well then Ryan passed me in the last 50 yards.
'I knew the ones coming to get me would have to stay well and there was always chance they would, but thankfully my horse is a tough, genuine horse.'
Wayne Lordan and Aidan O'Brien with the Betfred Derby trophy (John Walton/PA)
After eight years of working for an operation created to thrive at Epsom in early June, Lordan's winning ride was one perhaps honed to perfection at the Ballydoyle training centre of excellence.
Now he has his name etched forever on the long and distinguished roll of honour of the blue riband.
O'Brien explained: 'Everything at Ballydoyle is about Epsom and this is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year.
'Everything at Ballydoyle is left-handed and every piece of work they do they practice going round our Tattenham Corner, even the sprinters.
'It's the ultimate test really and it has to be that. It's great for Wayne to win the Derby, he's a massive part of our team and he rides so many of our big horses in work.
'He's in every day and it's a privilege to have him. He's so straightforward and such a team player, but he can be ruthless when he has to be and he's strong and determined.'
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Lambourn dominates Epsom Derby to give Aidan O'Brien record-extending 11th Classic success
The clue was right in front of us. Lambourn, in Berkshire, is known as 'The valley of the Racehorse', so for Sue Magnier to decide 18 months ago that a handsome bay colt should carry the same name hinted it might have special qualities. How perceptive Mrs Magnier, wife of the Coolmore supremo John, proved to be. Lambourn, the horse, is special and there can be no denying it. Rare are the occasions when a runner leads from pillar to post in the Epsom Derby but here was one of those moments that invited wide-eyed amazement. Yes, it was another victory for Aidan O'Brien, a record-extending 11th success, all achieved in a 24-year period, but it was difficult to watch this and not find joy in seeing his jockey Wayne Lordan power relentlessly clear, leaving 17 forlorn rivals legless behind him. It was poetic and brutal in equal measure. Epsom asks question of a racehorse, mentally and physically, like nowhere else and some buckle. In the parade ring, you wondered whether Lambourn — who strutted around looking ready for the breeding sheds, not the racetrack — might boil over. Not a bit of it. Lordan's horsemanship in this most high-pressure environment was mesmerising, getting Lambourn back on an even keel the way a father will jolt an unruly child back into line. Once he was sent on his way, there was never a moment's concern. 'Wayne said to me coming out of the parade ring, 'This horse is on fire' and that was before the race,' said O'Brien, whose joy felt as fresh as when he welcomed back his first winner Galileo — Lambourn's grandfather — back in 2001. 'He's given him an unbelievable ride and he's a special fella.' Lordan is a crucial member of O'Brien's squad, who gets second pick on the horses in big races that stable jockey Ryan Moore overlooks. It would be wrong to call him a 'Super Sub'; if he was a Premier League footballer, he would be the back-up striker who comes in but does not diminish a team's quality. He always hoped he would be on board Lambourn, a well-backed 13-2 chance, and he grabbed his chance with both hands, turning the screw after he floated around Tattenham Corner and waving goodbye to those in behind. This handsomely compensated for Friday's near miss on Whirl, who was beaten by Minnie Hauk in Friday's Oaks. Lazy Griff, trained by Charlie Johnston, looked briefly as if he might give his syndicate of owners, Middleham Park Racing, the ultimate thrill but his pilot Christophe Soumillon was forced to concede the task of bridging the gap was impossible in the last two furlongs. 'I was surprised by my horse's odds (50-1) because I thought he would run well,' said the Belgian. 'I had a dream run and two furlongs out I thought I would go for it. But when I got to the winner, he just went away.' Lambourn had beaten Lazy Griff by one-and-a-half lengths last month, when the pair warmed up for Epsom in the Chester Vase, but here the gap extended to almost four lengths. Tennessee Stud was third but O'Brien's other fancied runners, Delacroix and The Lion In Winter, were never sighted. Many feel O'Brien's stranglehold on Epsom is a bad thing, that no stable should ever have a near monopoly on the Derby. He had scooped the Oaks and Coronation Cup on Friday with Minnie Hauk and Jan Brueghel, too, meaning he has won these Group One events a combined 32 times. This is not superiority, it is total domination but it is not going to stop. Ballydoyle, an oasis of perfection in Tipperary, was established by Vincent O'Brien (no relation) to create the ultimate racehorse in 1951 and the current resident, who moved in back in 1995, will not stop in his quest for perfection. 'Everything in Ballydoyle is about Epsom,' O'Brien explained. 'This is how the thoroughbred breed is assessed every year, the fillies and colts. Everything in Ballydoyle is left-handed. Every piece of work the horses do is left-handed. When they canter home — even the sprinters — they go left-handed. 'The whole breed is assessed by the Derby and the Oaks. They are difficult races — you go left, you go right. It's up and it's down and it's the ultimate test. The track has to be like that, to test them. Dr O'Brien set up Ballydoyle and we are just privileged to be there.'
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
I had to console Cieran Slicker after Scotland debut – I know he has the character to bounce back from Iceland nightmare
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LENNON MILLER put aside his pride at making his Scotland debut to console Cieran Slicker after his Hampden nightmare. Motherwell teenager Miller was thrown on in the 68th minute of Friday night's dismal 3-1 friendly defeat to Iceland. 2 Lennon Miller was handed his Scotland bow against Iceland Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Cieran Slicker had a debut to forget a Hampden Credit: PA It marked another milestone in a career as he won his first Scotland cap at 18 after making his Well first-team debut at 16. The midfielder, who is expected to make a big-money move this summer, did well despite the grim scoreline. But for sub keeper Slicker, it was the most traumatic match of his career as the debutant was atrocious at all three goals. Miller, though, has no doubt about his strength of character to respond if he's called on to face Liechtenstein tomorrow. He said: 'It was Cieran's first cap, too, a proud moment, although of course you don't want to concede three goals. 'But there are experienced players in there who will get right behind him, plus others like myself who have been with Cieran in a few camps now and who will support him. 'He's a good goalkeeper, he showed that all week in training. He just needs to get his head up.' Slicker was thrown in after only seven minutes for the crocked Angus Gunn. Yet within less than 50 seconds, the rookie, 22, was picking the ball out of his net following a poor clearance. For a distraught Slicker, who played just nine minutes of first-team football for Ipswich Town last season in an FA Cup tie, it wouldn't get any better. Scotland fans need to STOP booing Steve Clarke and his players says Kris Boyd He failed to block the ball on his line after it ricocheted off Lewis Ferguson as Iceland netted a second before the break. Shell-shocked Slicker had the opportunity to reset at the break. Instead, he allowed a Victor Palsson header that was straight at him to go through his arms and into the net to complete a hat-trick of gaffes. Slicker cut an utterly dejected figure walking off at full-time. But he's still needed by boss Steve Clarke for tomorrow's game in Vaduz after Kilmarnock No 1 Robby McCrorie suffered an injury in Friday's warm-up. Bournemouth rookie Callan McKenna, 18, is the only other fit keeper in the squad, prompting a call-up last night for Celtic-bound Ross Doohan. Miller added: 'I've played with Cieran three or four times for the Under-21s. He's made a few mistakes, but that's just the life of a goalie. You're going to make mistakes that will be highlighted. 'But he will bounce back. He has a brilliant mentality. All goalies need to have that. 'Cieran will be fine. He will be back stronger. How they rated Angus Gunn - Came for a cross in the first minute but crumpled with an ankle problem so was unable to continue. Terrible timing given he is without a club having left Norwich. 1 Max Johnston - Given his chance on the right hand side and made a positive impact. Will be disappointed he didn't make more of a back post chance to score. A decent start. 6 John Souttar - Showed great strength inside the box to hold off his marker and head home Max Johnston's wicked corner. Will be furious at the goals Scotland lost. 5 Grant Hanley - Tried to show Andri Gudjohnsen inside after Cieran Slicker's poor kick but ended up with egg on his face as he whipped it into the top corner from 25 yards. Grim night. 4 Kieran Tierney - 50th cap and a poor occasion to hit that milestone. Matched Albert Gudmindsson's runs all night before going off for debut man Lennon Miller in the closing stages. 5 Andy Robertson - Bombed up and down the left flank as he usually does but final balls were lacking the precision to really hurt Iceland. Skipper has to drag Scotland's defence out of this rot. 5 John McGinn - Patrolled the middle of the park as he usually does but nothing really came off for him high up the pitch. Scotland will need him refreshed and flying in September. 5 Billy Gilmour - Did precisely what you expect from him now. Kept possession and the ball ticking over as the link man all over the pitch. Below his best like so many. 5 Lewis Ferguson - Didn't know much about it at the own goal which put Iceland back in front. Unlucky as a comedy pinball moment saw the ball crack off him and squirm past Cieran Slicker. 5 Scott McTominay - Started on the left of midfield, tasked with supporting George Hirst. Few flashes of what he can do but a big game player so he keeps the real heroics for when it counts. 5 George Hirst - Missed an early header then denied his first Scotland goal by two great saves from the Iceland goalie then an offside call after scoring. Showed he's got some promise. 6 Subs: Cieran Slicker (Gunn 6) - Debut didn't go to plan, that's for sure. Poor kick for the opener, flailing at the second, even worse at the third. Difficult not to feel sorry for him at times. 2 Lennon Miller (Tierney 67) - First cap. 3 Scott McKenna (Hanley 67) - Shored it up a bit late on. 3 Che Adams (Hirst 67) - No chances. 3 Nathan Patterson (Johnston 79) - Replaced Johnston. 2 Tommy Conway (McTominay 79) - On for McTominay. 2 'He's not gone out there and chucked three goals in. It's just mistakes. 'These things happen. It just gets noticed more as a goalie. 'I've had loads of those experiences myself, but as a midfielder you get away with it because it's not as obvious. 'But Cieran will be fine. He will bounce back.' Miller had his family, including former Scotland striker dad Lee, at Hampden to see him take the field against Iceland. Now Scotland's Young Player of the Year is desperate for a second cap against Liechtenstein and the opportunity to further highlight his potential. Miller has played 76 games for Motherwell since a 2022 debut as a sub in a League Cup tie against Inverness Caley Thistle. He has a year left on his Well contract but is expected to move on for a bargain £4million fee, with clubs across Britain and Europe trailing him. Miller said: 'It's obviously a very proud moment, not just for me but my family as well. They were in the stand. Lennon Miller is now too good for Rangers & Celtic and will move to bigger club says Kris Boyd 'It's never nice to make your debut in those circumstances, you want to be winning the game. 'We know we weren't good enough. But, personally, it's a proud moment. 'My game is about trying to get on the ball. No matter what the score is, no matter what the occasion is, I want to get on the ball and show what I can do. 'I had a few nice touches but also a few while trying to get used to the level that got cut out. 'You want to get your first cap, then you want to get a second as quickly as you can. That'll be the plan, to maybe get a start. 'The manager has said just to get on the ball and show what I can do. What I do at Motherwell is why I'm here. 'You want to play no matter when you get called up. 'Last time was about trying to take everything in and take that back to Motherwell to try and win another call-up and get here to make my debut. Thankfully, I did that.' Miller, with the Steelmen since he was seven and a star for Scotland Under-16s at 14, added: 'This is probably right up with the best things you can achieve as a player, representing your country at the highest level. 'I've done that now. Hopefully there's a few more.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
South Wales Guardian
5 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Johnston can afford to dream of what might be to come with Lazy Griff
It was the second time this year the Middleham Park Racing-owned colt has found Aidan O'Brien's new mile-and-a-half star too strong, as the same two horses filled the same positions in the Chester Vase last month. Ridden by Christophe Soumillon, Lazy Griff – who got off the mark at the third time of asking as a two-year-old at Beverley – cruised around Tatttenham Corner and while his large army of owners will no doubt have been briefly thinking they were about to hit the jackpot, the winner was going away again at the line. Should he head to the Irish Derby next it would likely mean round three with Lambourn, but Johnston also raised the possibility of a return to France for the Grand Prix de Paris. Lazy Griff won a Group Three at Chantilly last year. 'We told as many people as would listen we couldn't understand why he was such a huge price. Lambourn was 13-2 yet this morning we were 100-1! It's safe to say the Chester form held up well,' said Johnston. 'I'm delighted, I'm surprised how well he handled the track because that was always my biggest concern because he's quite a heavy-topped horse and we felt if the ground wasn't as soft as it was he wouldn't be here. 'I said after Chester that Doncaster (St Leger) would be his place, but to run so well leaves us dreaming about the rest of the year. 'I would say it will be the Irish Derby or the Grand Prix de Paris. The Irish Derby would mean going into the lion's den I suppose, but it will be one or the other I would say.' Soumillon partnered Lazy Griff at Chantilly and did not need to be asked twice to ride him in the Derby. 'What a race and I was travelling so well, the whole race I was travelling so well and I was just cruising down the hill,' said Soumillon, who has still to win the premier Classic. 'This kind of track suits him and when I came downhill I was talking Mickael (Barzalona, on Midak) that there was nobody able to follow us, we were cruising. I thought at that point I would be able to win the race two furlongs out, then I took my time to come out, which I don't think was the best option. 'I maybe should have stayed on the rail, but the horse in front was so lazy in the turn I thought he would stop at a point, but he never gave up and went to the end. Rounding the bend I thought 'now I go and we will see' and for two furlongs I thought we will get the winner, but in the end he was too strong. 'I'm so proud of my horse. It's a great run and it's the same form as the Chester Vase. I was very surprised when I saw the odds in the paper this morning at the airport. I thought how can I be so high? For me it was a nice horse with a decent chance and finally he proved it today on the track. 'He would be able to make the German Derby, but I just spoke to the trainer who was asking me if he could go in the St Leger. I think that can also be an option, he stays really well. We'll just see how he comes back from this race.' He added: 'When my agent called me to say I could ride this horse I said 'let's go' straight away. I loved him last year and he did everything I asked. Mr Johnston's horses are really tough and that's what you need and this really feels like a winner to me. I'm so proud of the horse. It's a great result.' Joseph O'Brien was watching his father win the race for an 11th time, but the man who rode two of them, Camelot and Australia (the sire of Lambourn), was close to his own piece of history by saddling Tennessee Stud to finish third. He said: 'I'm very proud of him, it was a serious run and he came home strongly. I'm so pleased for the owners, it's very good to be placed in the Derby and he's an unexposed type from whom there should be plenty more to come.'
